When the Molina family arrived in Easton from the Philippines, they never expected that four bicycles would open the door to a new chapter in their lives. But thanks to Talbot Thrive, that’s exactly what happened. The family first connected with Talbot Thrive during last fall’s Rolling Rodeo, a lively community event that brings kids and families together to learn traffic safety in the most fun way possible.
Picture it: kids zipping through a specially designed course that mimics real streets—complete with traffic signs, lanes, and ramps—while enthusiastic volunteers cheer them on and teach valuable safety tips. It was here that the Molinas discovered the spirit of Talbot Thrive and its mission to make transportation safer and more sustainable for all. Now, with their donated bikes, the family is ready to explore their new community and embrace all that life in Talbot County has to offer.
Shiela Molina was familiar with the concept of bike rodeos back home in the Philippines but had never been able to attend one with her children due to the pandemic. “When the school sent a flyer to my son for the Rolling Rodeo here in Easton, he wanted to go,” says Shiela. “I was pleased to learn that we could participate even if we didn’t have bicycles.”
In the Philippines, the Molina children—Joshua (8) and Jeerah (3)—had strider bikes but were only able to use them in their yard as there were no trails nearby. At the rodeo, they were fitted with loaner bikes and given free helmets. Within an hour on the course, Joshua had graduated from his strider to a pedal bike and his sister had advanced from walking to confidently zipping around the course.
Even Shiela, who hadn’t ridden a bike since she was a child, got back on two wheels after being encouraged by a rodeo volunteer saying the event was for riders of all ages. Soon, she was pedaling around the course with her children and feeling comfortable on a bicycle again.
After gaining their new skills, the Molinas were eager for more, but they didn’t have any bikes. On learning of their predicament, Heather Grant, Talbot Thrive’s executive director, suggested they enter the rodeo’s bike raffle.
“Heather told me if we don’t get the raffle, she would find a way to get us bikes,” recalls Shiela. “We exchanged phone numbers and she told me to keep in touch.” When Shiela found out that they didn’t win the raffle, Heather put the word out on Facebook, and through donations from community members, Talbot Thrive was able to outfit the entire family with three gently used bikes, tuned up by a Talbot Thrive volunteer, and one new strider.
Now the Molinas are a bicycling family. “We try to go out every weekend, weather permitting,” says Shiela. “We ride on the rails-to-trails, which is near our home.” Shiela says it’s great to have the bikes because the family can do something together while getting exercise outdoors. It also helps keep the kids away from “using gadgets!”
The Molinas’ story highlights Talbot Thrive’s commitment to creating safe, accessible spaces where families can enjoy biking and develop healthy habits. Through educational events like the Rolling Rodeo, Talbot Thrive encourages both kids and adults to embrace outdoor recreation and learn essential bike safety skills. And by facilitating bike donations and engaging community support, it hopes to enable more families like the Molinas to experience the joy of riding together.
Three Rolling Rodeos are planned for 2025—two in the spring and one in the fall. Learn more at TalbotThrive.org/
